Venezuela is located at the top of South America. It covers 352,143 square miles of land. Venezuela is twice the size of Sweden and a little bigger than Texas and Oklahoma put together. It is divided into four geographic zones. They are west, central, east, south. The Andes Mountains are in the west. The highest peak is called Pico Bolivar, and it rises up 16,427 feet above sea level. The north coast and the big cities in Venezuela are in the central zone. Los Llanos “the plains” is to the east of the Orinoco River. It is a region that occupies one-third of the country. There are jungles and plateaus are in the west. The Angel Falls is in southeastern Venezuela. Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world. It is 3,212 feet tall, and has a plunge of 2,648 feet. The waterfall goes off the of the Auyantepui mountain. The mountain is in Canaima National Park, and that’s the Grand Sebana region in Bolivar State. The height is mostly made up of the main plunge, but there is also 400 meters of sloped cascades and rapids that are below the drop. There is a 30 meter high plunge that is downstream of the Talus Rapids. The base of the waterfall goes into the Kerep River, which flows into the Churun River. The Churun River is a tributary of the Carrao River. Before reaching the ground most of the water dissipates into mist. There are only two seasons in Venezuela they are the wet and dry seasons. The wet or “rainy” season is from May to November. It is from 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image and Caption
This is Angel Falls, it is the highest waterfall in the world
Hugo Chavez was born on July 28, 1954. Hugo Chavez was born into a working class family, which lived in Sabaneta, Barinas. Hugo Chavez was elected president in the 1990’s. He was elected president because he claimed to represent the needs of the poor during the record-low oil prices, which deepened their economic crisis. He was elected by a big majority in December 1998. Chavez led a revolt attempt in 1992, and after he became president he started to change Venezuela’s political system, and he promised to change the society. After he made a new constitution in 1999, Chavez dissolved the bicameral parliament. He also established one National Assembly, and gave the president greater powers. Chavez’s changes increasingly split the country on all these issues. These changes led violent antigovernment protests. In April 2002 a military revolt replaced Chavez with a businessman named Pedro Carmona. But after two days Chavez came back to power. There were still political struggles with a nine-week general strike, which paralyzed the nation and with a vote that occurred later, on Chavez’s rule. Chavez survived both the strike and the vote that occurred later, and was then elected to a third term in 2006. In 2005 the opposition boycotted parliamentary elections, but the legislature was still able to give Chavez significant power. Opposition candidates ran for the parliamentary elections in 2010, which ended the five year boycott.
Men greet their close friends with an albrazo, which is a hug and a pat on the back. Women greet each other and say good bye to each other with an albrazo and a kiss on the cheek. Men and women only greet each other with an albrazo if they’re close friends or relatives. A common greeting used between strangers is a handshake. When people are having a conversation, they usually stand closer together, and if they back away it’s improper. In the Andes region people stand farther apart. When people are talking, they use their hands in the conversation to emphasize a point, or to communicate. When people are at a store, they can rub their thumb and index finger, while rotating their hands with their palms up to ask how much something costs. When people sit down they don’t slouch or put their feet up on an object, because it is impolite. Men usually wear a liquiliqui, which is a white suit with a high neckline. A variation for that outfit is white pants and a white shirt with a red scarf that is tied around their necks in a triangle. They wear sandals with black yarn on the top, and rubber or leather as the sole for the sandals. Women wear dresses that are colorful with full flowing skirts that are cut on the bias. The dresses have off shoulder blouses with one layer of ruffle across the chest and shoulders. Women usually have ponytails to the side, with hibiscus flowers in their hair. The length of the skirt varies from tea length to floor length. But the skirts are always full wide. The women always hold the sides of the skirt, stretched out or on their hips. People usually start to date when they’re 13 or 14, but before that they hang out in groups. Couples under 18 usually go out to see movies or go to private parties. Most people get married in their thirties. Men ask permission from their soon to be father in laws to propose. There is a civil marriage and a religious ceremony. There are two receptions, one after the civil marriage with 15 to 20 friends and family. There are snacks, drinks, and a DJ. The second reception is after the religious ceremony. There are up to 150 guests at it. It is considered good luck for the newlywed to sneak out towards the end of the party without saying good bye.
The major religion in Venezuela is Catholicism. Ninety-two percent of the Venezuelan population is Roman Catholic, and eight percent are Protestants. Many Catholics do not go to services at church. Most of them show some faith in God, Catholic saints, and the Virgin Mary. Protestants are becoming more common in Venezuela. Santeria, which is a syncretic religion of West African and Caribbean origin, is getting more popular in Caracas and other coastal towns. It involves worshipping individuals who have lived in Venezuela and helped Venezuela, and who have died in Venezuela. People who live in rural areas tend to be more religious, than people who live in urban areas. Carnaval, which is celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is a major holiday in Venezuela. It’s mostly celebrated in eastern Venezuela. During the celebrations, they have water fights, parades, and people dance in the street. Some people dress up in costumes, and kids throw eggs and water balloons at other pedestrians. In some cities they have beauty pageants in order to choose a carnaval queen. Everyone in Venezuela celebrates the birthday of Simon Bolivar. He was born on July 24th, 1783, and he was a military and political leader in Venezuela. With Jose de San Martin, Simon played an important role in the struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire. The struggle was successful, even though it took a long time for the Venezuelans to be the victors. He is considered one of the most influential politicians in Latin-American history today. Cities and towns have annual festivals honoring their local saint. There are three important festivals, Feria de San Sebastian, in San Cristobal; Feria de Sol, in Merida; and Feria de la Chinita, in Maracaibo. All the festivities that happen during these festivals include, bull fighting, street dances, and craft exhibits. They also have beauty contests. During each holiday, people put up statues of Simon Bolivar, and the statues are decorated with colorful wreaths.
Image and Caption:
This is how people in Venezuela celebrate Holidays.
Eytan Layman
Venezuela
Cover Page Image
Image Source:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=venezuela&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=638&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=P_0YzNd8IOPRrM:&imgrefurl=https:www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ve.html&docid=Pxr584nm-NW22M&imgurl=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ve-lgflag.gif&w=454&h=305&ei=0jnlTsrwOaf10gGFr6S_BQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=171&vpy=187&dur=42&hovh=184&hovw=274&tx=155&ty=97&sig=112938121147613181642&page=1&tbnh=118&tbnw=176&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0
Topic 1. Geography and Climate
Venezuela is located at the top of South America. It covers 352,143 square miles of land. Venezuela is twice the size of Sweden and a little bigger than Texas and Oklahoma put together. It is divided into four geographic zones. They are west, central, east, south. The Andes Mountains are in the west. The highest peak is called Pico Bolivar, and it rises up 16,427 feet above sea level. The north coast and the big cities in Venezuela are in the central zone. Los Llanos “the plains” is to the east of the Orinoco River. It is a region that occupies one-third of the country. There are jungles and plateaus are in the west. The Angel Falls is in southeastern Venezuela. Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world. It is 3,212 feet tall, and has a plunge of 2,648 feet. The waterfall goes off the of the Auyantepui mountain. The mountain is in Canaima National Park, and that’s the Grand Sebana region in Bolivar State. The height is mostly made up of the main plunge, but there is also 400 meters of sloped cascades and rapids that are below the drop. There is a 30 meter high plunge that is downstream of the Talus Rapids. The base of the waterfall goes into the Kerep River, which flows into the Churun River. The Churun River is a tributary of the Carrao River. Before reaching the ground most of the water dissipates into mist. There are only two seasons in Venezuela they are the wet and dry seasons. The wet or “rainy” season is from May to November. It is from 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image and Caption
Source of Image:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=angel+falls&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1366&bih=638&tbm=isch&tbnid=CDKJbalVAmUrbM:&imgrefurl=http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_Falls&docid=IoT4NiI937wmMM&imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/SaltoAngel1.jpg/220px-SaltoAngel1.jpg&w=220&h=336&ei=5jvlTrKVGOTX0QGTreTjBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=327&vpy=154&dur=444&hovh=130&hovw=90&tx=92&ty=150&sig=112938121147613181642&page=1&tbnh=130&tbnw=90&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0
Topic 2: Historical Figure
Hugo Chavez was born on July 28, 1954. Hugo Chavez was born into a working class family, which lived in Sabaneta, Barinas. Hugo Chavez was elected president in the 1990’s. He was elected president because he claimed to represent the needs of the poor during the record-low oil prices, which deepened their economic crisis. He was elected by a big majority in December 1998. Chavez led a revolt attempt in 1992, and after he became president he started to change Venezuela’s political system, and he promised to change the society. After he made a new constitution in 1999, Chavez dissolved the bicameral parliament. He also established one National Assembly, and gave the president greater powers. Chavez’s changes increasingly split the country on all these issues. These changes led violent antigovernment protests. In April 2002 a military revolt replaced Chavez with a businessman named Pedro Carmona. But after two days Chavez came back to power. There were still political struggles with a nine-week general strike, which paralyzed the nation and with a vote that occurred later, on Chavez’s rule. Chavez survived both the strike and the vote that occurred later, and was then elected to a third term in 2006. In 2005 the opposition boycotted parliamentary elections, but the legislature was still able to give Chavez significant power. Opposition candidates ran for the parliamentary elections in 2010, which ended the five year boycott.
Image and Caption
Source of Image:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=hugo+chavez&num=10&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1366&bih=638&tbm=isch&tbnid=YVCgOXIzNA-GVM:&imgrefurl=http:www.topnews.in/people/hugo-chavez&docid=MOxrkWcj8GrNNM&imgurl=http://www.topnews.in/files/hugo-chavez3.jpg&w=450&h=493&ei=Fj7lTrHtFKT00gHq1rzaBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=659&vpy=167&dur=270&hovh=235&hovw=214&tx=137&ty=155&sig=112938121147613181642&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=139&tbnw=141&start=0&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0
Topic 3: Every Day Living
Men greet their close friends with an albrazo, which is a hug and a pat on the back. Women greet each other and say good bye to each other with an albrazo and a kiss on the cheek. Men and women only greet each other with an albrazo if they’re close friends or relatives. A common greeting used between strangers is a handshake. When people are having a conversation, they usually stand closer together, and if they back away it’s improper. In the Andes region people stand farther apart. When people are talking, they use their hands in the conversation to emphasize a point, or to communicate. When people are at a store, they can rub their thumb and index finger, while rotating their hands with their palms up to ask how much something costs. When people sit down they don’t slouch or put their feet up on an object, because it is impolite. Men usually wear a liquiliqui, which is a white suit with a high neckline. A variation for that outfit is white pants and a white shirt with a red scarf that is tied around their necks in a triangle. They wear sandals with black yarn on the top, and rubber or leather as the sole for the sandals. Women wear dresses that are colorful with full flowing skirts that are cut on the bias. The dresses have off shoulder blouses with one layer of ruffle across the chest and shoulders. Women usually have ponytails to the side, with hibiscus flowers in their hair. The length of the skirt varies from tea length to floor length. But the skirts are always full wide. The women always hold the sides of the skirt, stretched out or on their hips. People usually start to date when they’re 13 or 14, but before that they hang out in groups. Couples under 18 usually go out to see movies or go to private parties. Most people get married in their thirties. Men ask permission from their soon to be father in laws to propose. There is a civil marriage and a religious ceremony. There are two receptions, one after the civil marriage with 15 to 20 friends and family. There are snacks, drinks, and a DJ. The second reception is after the religious ceremony. There are up to 150 guests at it. It is considered good luck for the newlywed to sneak out towards the end of the party without saying good bye.
Image and Caption
Source of Image:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=traditional+clothes+in+venezuela&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1366&bih=638&tbm=isch&tbnid=dZtBA6Nf4gV0wM:&imgrefurl=http:en.allexperts.com/q/Venezuela-3093/2009/10/venezuelan-dress.htm&docid=SzfbvuupIVBbcM&imgurl=http://0.tqn.com/w/experts/Venezuela-3093/2009/10/Venezuela-Traditional-Dress.jpg&w=240&h=320&ei=5EDlTt2nJsX50gGumPXQBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=810&vpy=131&dur=501&hovh=256&hovw=192&tx=111&ty=143&sig=112938121147613181642&page=1&tbnh=159&tbnw=119&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0
Topic 4: Holidays and Religion
The major religion in Venezuela is Catholicism. Ninety-two percent of the Venezuelan population is Roman Catholic, and eight percent are Protestants. Many Catholics do not go to services at church. Most of them show some faith in God, Catholic saints, and the Virgin Mary. Protestants are becoming more common in Venezuela. Santeria, which is a syncretic religion of West African and Caribbean origin, is getting more popular in Caracas and other coastal towns. It involves worshipping individuals who have lived in Venezuela and helped Venezuela, and who have died in Venezuela. People who live in rural areas tend to be more religious, than people who live in urban areas. Carnaval, which is celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is a major holiday in Venezuela. It’s mostly celebrated in eastern Venezuela. During the celebrations, they have water fights, parades, and people dance in the street. Some people dress up in costumes, and kids throw eggs and water balloons at other pedestrians. In some cities they have beauty pageants in order to choose a carnaval queen. Everyone in Venezuela celebrates the birthday of Simon Bolivar. He was born on July 24th, 1783, and he was a military and political leader in Venezuela. With Jose de San Martin, Simon played an important role in the struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire. The struggle was successful, even though it took a long time for the Venezuelans to be the victors. He is considered one of the most influential politicians in Latin-American history today. Cities and towns have annual festivals honoring their local saint. There are three important festivals, Feria de San Sebastian, in San Cristobal; Feria de Sol, in Merida; and Feria de la Chinita, in Maracaibo. All the festivities that happen during these festivals include, bull fighting, street dances, and craft exhibits. They also have beauty contests. During each holiday, people put up statues of Simon Bolivar, and the statues are decorated with colorful wreaths.
Image and Caption:
Source of Image:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=holidays+venezuela&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1366&bih=638&tbm=isch&tbnid=1fw3VcwvPhQRkM:&imgrefurl=http://www.tourisminvenezuela.com/2010/05/05/culture-and-traditions-of-venezuela-holidays-tourist-vacations-tips/&docid=JbV-RYGWTqyVyM&imgurl=http://www.tourisminvenezuela.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/LosDiablosdeYareVenezuelanTradicionalDance.jpg&w=448&h=299&ei=DUPlTuD8MKT20gGQoeC8BQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=176&vpy=158&dur=342&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=129&ty=70&sig=112938121147613181642&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=187&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0
Material for this presentation came from the following sources:
Google
Wikipedia
Culturegrams Online
CIA.org